Parents and Carers Together (PACT) is a social network that aims to support UCL staff members who are balancing ongoing caring responsibilities with work. It is a peer support group led by network members for members so new ideas and activities are always welcomed and encouraged.

This particular session is aimed at expectant mothers who are planning to go on maternity leave shortly. Places are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis (email: equalities(AT)ucl.ac.uk). Due to popular demand, there will be repeat sessions during March/April.

I am delighted to invite you to our social event to mark the festive season. The holiday season can be great fun, but we also know that it can be a stressful time for parents and carers. Having to get groups of people together, sticking to a gift and food budget as well as managing everyone's expectations can be a challenge, and in particular for families with young children, who already experience frequent practical, physical and emotional pressures.

So at this event, we are starting discussions asking you for any top tips and ways that you celebrate with your family. You can either drop me a line or else bring your wisdom to the session! We'll be looking for tips on:

keeping on top of tasks and delegating

ways to avoid Christmas debts

fun festive activities that don't break the bank

how to share holiday plans with everyone

helping your children to adjust to the different routines the holidays bring

making the holidays work in the best way for your family's needs

recovering from the holidays & back to routine in January

Title: Life as a Working Dad at UCL

Date: Tuesday, 18 th November

Time: 12:30pm - 2pm

By: Victoria Goffin

Place: Rockefeller Building, Room 337 (David Sack Room)

Victoria Goffin from Parenting for Professionals is a Learning and Development Consultant who facilitates maternity coaching and dads' workshops. Parenting for Professionals is a UK based coaching business, working with companies to support employees through the transition of becoming a parent at work and beyond http://parentingforprofessionals.co.uk/

**While this session is titled 'Working Dads' it is important to reiterate that all members are welcome and we encourage your attendance regardless of your caring role.**

Title: Flexible Working - Hear it from Bob!

Date: Tuesday, 14 October 2014

Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Place: Rockefeller 335

For our next session, one of the members of the network has kindly agreed to talk about his experiences of changing compressed/flexible working pattern. Bob Carey is a senior HR Consultant at UCL. He will be sharing his story of with us - how he balanced caring and work responsibilities, throwing light upon the challenges he faced and how he tackled them.

What: "Coping with needs: special or not!"

When: Wednesday, 9 July 2014

Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Where: Room G37 & G38, 1-19 Torrington Place, UCL

By: Claire Harding from Contact a Family

Contact a Family is a national charity that exists to support the families of disabled children whatever their condition or disability. They offer support, information and advice to over 340,000 families each year and campaign for families to receive a better deal. Claire is a Parent Adviser and works closely with Support & Engagement team. She will be talking about different ways to improve the circumstances of families with disabled children and for their right to be included and take part in society. She will also be available after the talk for any one-to-one queries. This talk will be followed by lunch (provided) and an opportunity for networking.

This session will be followed by a Parent and Carers Summer Social Networking Lunch, which is open to all. It is an opportunity to drop in and meet others with similar experiences in a friendly and informal environment: